Key facts
- A new group, Build American AI, plans to run ads advocating for data centers in key battleground states.
- Build American AI is affiliated with the super PAC Leading the Future (LTF).
- LTF is heavily funded by venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, and OpenAI President Greg Brockman.
- The ad campaign will target voters in Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
- LTF has donated to politicians supporting AI and opposed those against it.
- OpenAI has publicly disavowed LTF's tactics, including astroturfing.
A new political group, Build American AI, is planning to launch an advertising campaign in key battleground states to advocate for the construction of data centers. The group is affiliated with Leading the Future (LTF), a prominent super political action committee heavily backed by venture capitalists Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, as well as OpenAI President Greg Brockman.
Build American AI stated its intention to focus its advertising efforts on states like Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin, where concerns surrounding data centers have become a significant issue in statewide elections. The group has indicated a substantial advertising budget, amounting to millions of dollars.
Leading the Future (LTF) was established with over $50 million in funding and has primarily directed these funds towards political donations supporting candidates who advocate for artificial intelligence. Conversely, it has also worked to oppose candidates who lobby against the technology.
OpenAI has publicly distanced itself from LTF, issuing a statement in June to clarify that it does not direct LTF's activities or have insight into their operations. The AI company also condemned certain tactics employed by LTF, such as astroturfing, which involves creating the appearance of grassroots support for a campaign.
Andreessen and Horowitz, through their venture firm Andreessen Horowitz, have been substantial political donors, contributing over $115 million in disclosed federal contributions to the midterm elections. Their support extends to AI initiatives and pro-crypto efforts, notably through the crypto super PAC Fairshake.